A fascinating insight into the tiny organisms that live in our soil will be given today (Thursday, March 16) to pupils from three Aberdeen schools.
The Shedding Light on the Amazing, Secret World of Soil Microbes talk is just one of a number of events involving the University of Aberdeen, which are part of National Science Week (March 10–19).
Professor Ken Killham, a soil microbiologist, will deliver tomorrow’s lecture which will explore the amazing variety of soil habitat and the diversity of microbes that live in it. The talk takes place at the University’s Zoology Building between 2pm and 3pm.
S5 and S6 Higher and Advanced Higher Biology pupils from St Margaret’s School and Oldmachar and Northfield Academies will attend the event which will also feature a National Science Week competition with giant microbe cuddly toys as prizes.
Professor Killham said: "I hope to get pupils thinking about all sorts of microbe facts. For instance, I wonder if they realise that if fast growing soil bacteria were grown without restricting their food, their mass would exceed that of the earth in three days!"
Co-ordinated by the British Association for the Advancement Science, National Science Week aims to celebrate science and its importance to our lives and also provide opportunities for people of all ages across the UK to take part in science, engineering and technology activities.
Two other University of Aberdeen scientists are preparing for special information packed science sessions which are taking place this Saturday between 10am and 4pm at Satrosphere in Aberdeen.
Dr Joy Perkins, Outreach Co-ordinator at the University’s School of Medical Sciences, is delivering a workshop entitled Trees, Plant and Microbes – Getting to the Root of the Issue. Children will be able to find out about soil microbes via a range of hands-on activities. They will also discover how the tiny organisms help trees and plants grow.
Professor Andy Porter, Professor of Biotechnology and Deputy Director of the University’s Institute of Medical Sciences, will give 10 minute talks about the human immune system and how it fights diseases.
Dr Perkins said: “The lecture for schools and our workshops at Satrosphere, which have been funded by the Society for General Microbiology, aim to enthuse and inspire visiting pupils and the general public about the science and the significance of microbiology.”